Trump blames Obama for Syria attack

1 Trump blames Obama

After dozens were killed in northern Syria in a suspected chemical attack that the White House said was perpetrated by the Assad regime, Donald Trump issued an extraordinary statement blaming Barack Obama.

Syrian children receive treatment at a small hospital in the town of Maaret al-Noman following a suspected toxic gas attack in Khan Sheikhun. Photograph: Mohamed Al-Bakour/AFP/Getty Images

'Weakness and irresolution'

These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administration’s weakness and irresolution. President Obama said in 2012 that he would establish a ‘red line’ against the use of chemical weapons and then did nothing. The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this intolerable attack.

– Donald Trump

2 Tillerson calls on Russia and Iran

In contrast with the White House, secretary of state Rex Tillerson released a statement about the attack calling “upon Russia and Iran, yet again, to exercise their influence over the Syrian regime”.

4 About that US holiday

David Smith reports: “Tourists from Britain and other countries visiting the US could be forced to reveal mobile phone contacts, social media passwords and financial data under ‘extreme vetting’ practices being considered by the Trump administration, according to the Wall Street Journal.”

5 Chelsea Clinton on a potential run

6 Berners-Lee: Trump broadband move ‘digusting’

World wide web creator Tim Berners-Lee said the Trump administration’s decision to allow internet service providers (ISPs) to sign away theircustomers’ privacy and sell the browsing habits of their customers is “disgusting” and “appalling”.